Honoring African American heritage and its rich traditions, Kwanzaa is celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 with dinner feasts, music, dancing and the seven-day lighting of the kinara candles. Each candle represents a principle: Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective responsibility); Ujama (cooperative economics) Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

"Kwanzaa is rooted in community and coming together to make the world better," says Aimee Terzulli, vice president for program and visitor experience at the Long Island Children's Museum in Uniondale, where you can make a Kwanzaa craft. "At a time associated with light and renewal, this is a wonderful message to share with visitors."

Town of Hempstead's Deputy Supervisor Dorothy L. Goosby's office wi

See Full Page